Myopia at Age 14
What to Expect and What to Do
Short answer: By age 14, the fastest growth phase is ending — but progression hasn't stopped for most people. The typical axial growth rate at 14 is roughly half what it was at age 8. Management is still worthwhile if progression exceeds 0.15–0.20mm/year. This is also the age to start thinking about LASIK eligibility assessment in a few years.
Clinical picture: what this age means for myopia
Longitudinal data (Tideman 2018; Donovan 2012) show that axial growth decelerates substantially after the early teens, typically stabilising in the late teens to early 20s. However, a subset of patients — particularly high myopes and those with early onset — continue progressing into their mid-20s. Assessment of the current rate against the 75th percentile for age is the key clinical metric.
What parents should do now
- Measure AL at the current visit and compare to 6–12 months prior
- If growth is <0.10mm in 12 months, management can be reviewed for necessity
- If growth is still >0.15mm/year, continue management
- Begin discussing LASIK eligibility criteria (typically: stable Rx for 2 years, minimum age 21)
Treatment options at age 14
At age 14, if management is working and progression is slow (<0.10mm/year), the decision to continue or taper can be made with the optometrist. If still progressing, continue management until stability.
See your child's projected prescription at age 18
Enter current age, axial length, and a prior measurement. Get projected adult prescription with and without treatment — in under 60 seconds.
Project myopia progression →How age at onset predicts lifetime risk
| Age myopia starts | Years of fast growth remaining | High myopia risk (without treatment) |
|---|---|---|
| Age 6 | ~12 years | Very high (est. 60–80%) |
| Age 7 | ~11 years | Very high (est. 55–75%) |
| Age 8 | ~10 years | High (est. 45–65%) |
| Age 9 | ~9 years | High (est. 35–55%) |
| Age 10 | ~8 years | Moderate–High (est. 25–45%) |
| Age 12 | ~6 years | Moderate (est. 15–30%) |
| Age 14 | ~4 years | Lower (est. 10–20%) |
| Age 16 | ~2 years | Low (est. 5–12%) |
High myopia defined as ≥−6.00D. Risk estimates based on Tideman 2018 longitudinal data; individual outcomes vary substantially. Your row is highlighted.
This page is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Diopter-to-axial-length conversions are approximations (±2–3D individual variation). MyopiaTracker is a decision-support tool — not a diagnostic device. Consult a qualified optometrist or ophthalmologist for personalised advice.